Bio

Mark G. Clinard — Founder

Mark studied Biology at Guilford College intending to begin a career in medical supply, but instead found wine more interesting — a decision that launched decades in the wholesale and import side of the business.

He began in restaurant wine sales, joining a local wholesaler in Greensboro, North Carolina, before moving back to his native Washington, D.C. to work with Forman Brothers, a distribution company in northern Virginia.

As the Australian wine boom took off in the early ’90s, Mark joined Rosemount Estates as Director of Sales and Marketing, leading the mid-Atlantic division and later serving as National Accounts Manager (on-premise) for clients such as Morton’s The Steakhouse and Marriott International. This period honed his skills in managing budgets, territories, and profitability across regional and national accounts.

In 1999, Mark became a partner in Click Wine Group, helping create and launch international brands such as Fat Bastard, Root 1, and Clean Slate. The company was later sold to Winebow.

He went on to found Well Oiled Wine Company in 2005, importing Spanish, Chilean, and Portuguese wines. Later, through Flavor Seekers, he developed the Beaufort & Scott “Altitude Series,” sourcing wines from world-renowned high-elevation vineyards. Flavor Seekers also handled Adam Carolla’s Mangria and built a direct-to-consumer sales platform.

Upon moving to Miami, Mark established Authentic Wine & Spirits, a Florida-based agency focusing on distribution, Southeast chain distribution, and national representation. Winery partners include Casa Rojo, Le Climats, Waterloo Gin, Buena Uva Imports, Jules Descombins (Burgundy), Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé Estates, hemp-infused delta-9 beverages, Cheval Noir, and many others.

Ryan Carlson — COO

Ryan has 20 years in the wine trade encompassing all tiers, including manufacturing, importing, wholesale, retail, and hospitality. He has served as Principal since founding a full-service logistics company based in Northern Virginia that services all lower 48 states.

While based in Washington, D.C., California, and Bordeaux, France, he personally sold and directed sales teams handling hundreds of thousands of cases per year.

Ryan holds a B.Ph. in Classics from the Catholic University of America and an M.S. in Financial Engineering from Illinois Tech. An avid long-distance runner, he now calls Miami home.